As the chimes of Christmas fades to a gradual decrescendo, the “little red dot” is expected to be donning on a fresh hue of red real soon as CNY quickly approaches. That being said, festivities usually entail a ton of preparation prior, and cleaning up of course. So, why not consider bringing everyone out for a hearty meal and spare yourself the hassle of preparing a hearty meal? Look no further! We have it all sorted out for you. After much work, well technically not since it was extremely enjoyable, we are proud to present our latest recommendation; Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant. Here’s what the masters at Xin prepared for us this coming CNY.
1. YuSheng (鱼生)
Symbolism and good fortune play an important role in the dinner. Therefore, it’s important to have your home and body ready for the celebrations so that the dinner and fifteen days of lunar new year can proceed as they should.
A mandatory dish in every CNY dinner. The potpourri of ingredients symbolizes different aspects of fortune which are recited out in the course of preparing the dish. The dazzling splendour of an array of bright colors; white, orange, cream, golden brown, and a most unusual hue of purple which leads us to the highlight of Xin’s version of this traditional dish of intricate delicacy. Considering how we of this generation has grown to become more health conscious, Xin has devised an enzyme made from dragon-fruit extract and natural brown sugar as a taste enhancer in replacement of honey (the traditional choice of dressing used for preparing Yusheng). Of course, that can’t be all there is to it eh? Apart from seared salmon, this unique interpretation also includes abalone, which is commonly found in only the most prestigious of food that Chinese indulge in.
2. Dragon-fruit Enzyme Drink
Remember the Dragon-fruit dressing we spoke of earlier? For those who crave more of that natural fruity goodness, Xin offers to pack all that irresistible sweetness into a shot glass! A definite favourite amongst all with a sweet tooth.
3. Festive Dim Sum Selection
I’ve always been a fan of Dim Sum but this festive selection of it has just what it takes to top the chart for me. This most intriguing spread consisting of a steamed vegetarian bun with morel mushrooms, deep-fried chicken and foie gras packed into a yam dumpling and baked barbecued pork with garnished diced abalone is bound to leave you asking for seconds. Also, a most intricate combination of pumpkin puree wrapped in slightly browned pumpkin fruit is to me the thing which elevates this combination to a whole new level. The gentle sweetness of this pumpkin garniture, combined with the savoury goodness of the other components in this dish just makes it sooooo hard to forget.
4. Xin’s Traditional Pen Cai
Pen Cai, or Poon Choi is a Cantonese delicacy that is mandatory at most Chinese festivities. Interesting story to this dish; According to tradition, Poon choi was invented during the late Song Dynasty. When Mongol troops invaded Song China, the young Emperor fled to the area around Guangdong Province and Hong Kong. To serve the Emperor as well as his army, the locals collected all their best food available, cooked it, and because there were not enough serving containers available, they put the resulting meal in large wooden washbasins.
Since then, this Asian representation of the ‘Cornucopia’ is now essential to completing a CNY dinner, with dry ingredients such as seafood being placed on the top while other ingredients that can absorb sauces well assigned to the bottom of the containing vessel. Xin has spared no expense in recreating this traditional delicacy; packing all that richness into their very own version of the Pen Cai we have grown to become so familiar with.
5. Braised Kurobuta Pork with Snow Pear
A personal favourite for the night, this dish packs all the exquisiteness its name promises.
Kurobuta, or black hog in Japanese is known to possess the highest quality due to its rich marbling, tenderness and flavour. Braised in black bean sauce, the richness of the kurobuta is then accentuated with a hint of snow pear; with the subtle sweetness of the latter converging with the savoury goodness of the gravy made from black bean sauce to bring out the majesty of the renowned ‘kobe beef of pork’. Just.. spectacular…
6. Wok- Fried Glutinous Rice
Asians and rice share an inseparable relationship since ancient times. Here’s a gander at Xin’s festive rendition of our daily essential:
7.Double-boiled Four Treasures Tea with Glutinous Rice Balls
After a hearty meal, what’s better than a serving of chinese tea to wash down all that goodness from earlier before taking off to continue the rest of what the day has to offer? Desserts perhaps? Some may contest. Xin merges both concepts together in hopes of satisfying your post meal needs!
Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Holiday Inn® Singapore Atrium 317 Outram Road level 4 Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 6731 7173
Email: xin.sinhi@ihg.com
Operating Hours: Lunch 12.00pm to 2.30pm
Dinner 6.30pm to 10.30pm
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